[3] Hemlington was built on farmland during the 1960s and expanded thereafter to provide affordable housing for the increasing population of Middlesbrough.

Hemlington local leisure amenities are mostly centred on a 39 acres (160,000 m2) area of open parkland which has been split into two sites: Hemlington Recreation Centre and Hemlington Hall Farm.The farm outbuildings are used as a drop in facility for the 'Linx' detached youth work project, and provide changing facilities for football pitches, canoe and kayak storage areas, and a small classroom.

The recreation centre includes an activity hall, with classes for children and adults, a small gym, and outdoor leisure facilities.

The wildlife of Hemlington Lake includes kingfishers, mute swans, tufted and ruddy ducks, seasonal visitors, and a population of watervoles.

The Bluebell Beck Woodland Walk, around the lake, includes both metal and chainsaw sculptures.